Arizona Senate votes to repeal 1864 abortion ban; Hobbs expected to sign

The Arizona Legislature approved a repeal of a long-dormant ban on nearly all abortions Wednesday, advancing the bill to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who is expected to sign it.

Two Republicans joined with Democrats in the Senate on the 16-14 vote in favor of repealing a Civil War-era ban on abortions that the state’s highest court recently allowed to take effect. The repeal bill narrowly cleared the Arizona House last week.

The revival of the 19th century law had put Republicans on the defensive in a battleground state for the presidential election.